Winnipeg, Manitoba – According to Lexus Canada, 60 per cent of luxury car buyers are looking for a hybrid option in the $40,000 range. The motivation is not simply the desire to purchase a luxury vehicle that gets excellent fuel economy, but apparently also reflects a growing consciousness in this segment supporting sustainable technology.

The HS250h is a five-passenger, front-wheel drive sedan that is bigger than the Lexus IS, but smaller than the ES. It shares its platform with the European Toyota Avensis, but exterior styling is consistent with other Lexus vehicles. It is the first Lexus dedicated hybrid vehicle (in other words, there’s no non-hybrid HS available) and it is the first Lexus hybrid that uses a four-cylinder engine as part of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system.

In addition to its hybrid powertrain, the HS250h features materials and technologies that contribute to sustainable transportation, such as the use of Ecological (plant-based) plastics which are found in 30 per cent of the interior and trunk; increased volume of recycled plastics; electric power steering; infra-red cut glass (reduces infra-red rays into the cabin by 30 per cent); the use of an Exhaust Heat Recovery system to reduce engine warm-up time; LED tail-lights and available LED headlights. Coefficient of Drag is 0.27, and the HS250h emissions rating is Tier 2, Bin 3.

Three HS250h models are available, starting with the Premium model. Leather seating surfaces with power driver and front passenger seats are standard, along with XM satellite radio and USB audio connectivity and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Additional standard equipment includes 10 airbags, active front head restraints with whiplash protection, dual-zone automatic climate control, electroluminescent instrumentation, LED brake lamps, mirror-mounted turn signals, Lexus smart-key system with push-button start, power moonroof, vehicle stability control, traction control and hill-start assist.

The Premium model with Sport Package adds a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, heated seats, sport pedals, a wallet-sized smart card key, and illuminated scuff plates.

 The Ultra Premium model features heated and ventilated memory seats with perforated leather, Remote Touch navigation tool, voice activated navigation system with integrated back-up camera,15-speaker Mark Levinson Audio system, auto levelling LED headlamps, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, power rear sunshade and auto-dimming side-view mirrors with integrated back-up camera.

Lexus expects 15 per cent of HS250h sales to be the Premium version, 50 per cent the Premium Sport Package, and 35 per cent the Ultra Premium.
As with all Lexus and Toyota hybrid vehicles, motive power for the HS250h is a gasoline engine and high-output electric drive motor and starter/generator that operate in conjunction with a storage battery (located behind the rear seat) that is charged by regenerative braking/deceleration. In combination, the HS250h’s 2.4-litre gasoline engine and drive motor can supply 187 net-horsepower. The transmission is an electronically controlled, continuously variable CVT automatic.

Four driving modes are available: Normal, Eco, Power and EV. In Normal mode, the HS250h returns 5.7 L/100 km combined city/highway (5.6 city; 5.9 highway). Eco mode reduces throttle response and air conditioning output, improving fuel economy by up to 7.2 per cent. Power mode provides a more immediate response to the throttle giving a sportier feel to the car, but results in a seven per cent fuel consumption penalty in comparison with Normal mode.

EV mode is also available, permitting the HS250h to operate as an electric vehicle, which it will do (depending on battery charge) when driving in stop-and-go traffic and other in other situations where limited torque is required. No gasoline is used in EV mode.

On the road the HS250h is comfortable and quiet, but unless you’re driving in EV mode, the engine is not as super-smooth as the Lexus V6 and V8 cars. Power is sufficient in all modes, although some drivers may get impatient with the slow throttle response of the Eco mode. Those accustomed to using a fuel-efficient driving style, however, will find that “Eco” suits them perfectly.

The trunk is quite large for a hybrid vehicle, and will accommodate multiple suitcases, grocery bags, etc. The lack of a ski pass-through or folding rear seats will be an issue for some owners, however.

The front seats are multi-adjustable and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel is standard (power operated on the Ultra Premium). The driver’s seat has considerable adjustment for height (it goes way up) but doesn’t go low enough. With the standard moonroof, taller drivers may find headroom in short supply, even with the seat at its lowest setting.

The car will require owners to spend some time familiarizing themselves with its controls and operation, but the HS250h is certainly not difficult to drive. The gearshift, for instance, is a small lever that requires only fingertip effort to select Drive or Reverse. The separate “Park” button looks like an electronic parking brake, but is a transmission option. The parking brake is a conventional foot-operated lever.

There is no tachometer, but there is a graphic that continuously displays the operation of the hybrid drive system. The navigation display (if equipped) raises and lowers as required. And of course starting the car simply requires the push of a button, which silently activates the systems (not the engine), enabling you to begin driving.

The roads around Winnipeg don’t particularly lend themselves to testing a vehicle for handling, as they are mostly die-straight. But we did find a few occasions to engage in some spirited driving and found that the HS250h corners flat and that the vehicle stability system does not intrude unnecessarily. Under hard braking the car stops straight and predictably. It feels solid on bumpy roads or on sections of broken pavement/railway crossings.

Braking while driving in normal city traffic emits a characteristic, but not objectionable, whine as the regenerative system rescues energy. The brakes may stop or slow the car more suddenly than expected on occasion.

 

 As such, it will appeal to a new category of entry luxury buyers for Lexus who want a comparatively affordable luxury car, with a modern and proven hybrid drivetrain that speaks to their awareness of environmental issues.

 

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